HPC members present: Bob Booher, Chair, David Neumann, Ed Mroczka, and Mimi Styles. Margot Bohan was unable to attend. John McClleand was also in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting was to discuss plans for renovating the commercial corner buildings whose addresses are 11 Brown Street and 105 Washington Grove Lane. Mr. Stephen J. Beck, manager, was present to represent the owner, Mr. Bell, of the commercial corner. He was accompanied by the builder, Michael Beckish (Pleasant Builders) , who had drawn up plans for the renovation of the commercial corner. Their contact address is 101 W Jefferson St., Rockvile, MD 20850, Tel: 240/447-4184 and 301/762-2121.

David Neumann agreed to take minutes for the meeting.

MINUTES of the MEETING of the Commission DRAFT

Reviews

On behalf of the owner, Mr. Beck and Mr. Beckish presented drawings of the renovations for the corner. The drawings showed the southern most building (old Odd Fellows Hall – 11 Brown St..105 Washington Grove Lane) as well as the rest of the complex. They explained that the renovation was only planned for the larger 11 Brown St /105 Washington Grove Lane structure. There was a discussion on whether that part of the corner could be restored to reflect the old Odd Fellows Hall structure and whether the work could use and bring back what remains of the original structure. Mr. Beck was unsure of the possibility. David Neumann volunteered to see what photos could be found. One blurred photo of the corner of the original Odd Fellows Hall was found in the history of the Grove written by Phillip Edwards.

HPC members suggested that state historic preservation tax credits might be available to restore the building if Odd Fellows Hall if, underneath the present exterior, there was significant amount of the old structure remaining. Mr. Bell’s representatives explained that they had done a number of preservation projects before which involved state historic preservation tax credits.

The discussion also focused on the need for a ramp to accommodate individuals using a wheelchair, etc. The ramp on the south (Brown St.) side was discussed. To accommodate handicapped access the architect and Mr. Beck seemed to favor a mechanical lift. Bob Booher and other members of the HPC suggested that the acute gable structures planned to highlight the entrances to the stores, etc. could be simplified and such simplification might be more compatible with the Grove. The architect and manager agreed that some work could be done to improve the rear of the structure. The HPC members felt that renovating the rear was very important due to the many complaints about its unsightliness. Some mention was made that the way the rear is arranged and maintained makes it somewhat of an attractive nuisance.

Mr. Beck said the plans would be submitted to the Town at a later date.